Outcome and complications of stenting for malignant obstruction

Malignant colorectal obstruction is not an uncommon clinical condition as it is frequently cited that obstruction occurs in 7%-29% of patients with colorectal cancer. The severity of this condition is illustrated by its high postoperative mortality (up to 24%) and morbidity (up to 78%) rates after these patients have undergone conventional emergency resection of the obstructing tumor. In the past decade, the application of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) as treatment of malignant large bowel obstruction has expanded rapidly to reduce these alarming numbers by ‘bridge to surgery’ treatment from an emergency to an elective operation.

Source: Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - August 6, 2014 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Emo E. van Halsema, Jeanin E. van Hooft Source Type: research